Fire damage was limited to the garage following a fire at 20 Anthony Road on Saturday, May 17. (Photo Courtesy Raynham Fire Department)
RAYNHAM — Fire Chief Bryan LaCivita and Police Chief David LaPlante report that Raynham Fire and Police Department personnel worked together to extinguish a garage fire on Anthony Road Saturday afternoon.
On Saturday, May 17, at approximately 1:22 p.m., Raynham Fire and Raynham Police responded to a 911 call reporting a fire at 20 Anthony Road.
Raynham Police Patrolman Michael Civale was among the first emergency responders to arrive on the scene. He grabbed a fire extinguisher from his car and went to work trying to knock down flames originating from the attached garage section of the home.
Patrolman Civale was later transported to Morton Hospital in a Bridgewater Fire Department ambulance with smoke inhalation, and later released.
“We had an officer who bravely entered the garage and attempted to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher,” said Chief LaPlante. “He was transported to the hospital as a precautionary measure, but, thankfully, he’s fine. I commend him for his brave actions.”
Three residents live in the home. They were not displaced by the fire. Fire damage was contained in the garage, thanks to the quick work of both Raynham Police and Fire personnel. No one else was injured.
Raynham Fire Department’s Engines 3 and 4, and Chief LaCivita responded to the scene.
Fire apparatus from the Easton, Taunton, and West Bridgewater Fire Departments was initially requested for mutual aid but canceled once fire crews determined the fire had been quickly extinguished.
A joint investigation by the Raynham Fire and Police Departments determined the fire was caused by the careless disposal of smoking materials.
Brewster Ambulance Service, of Taunton, responded to the scene but was not needed for transport. A Middleborough Fire Department engine provided station coverage.
Raynham Fire crews cleared the scene at 2:17 p.m.
“Fires like this need to serve as a reminder to carefully dispose of smoking materials,” said Chief LaCivita. “Also, be sure to check that your smoke detectors are all fully operational. This fire could have been far worse if not for the quick response and decisive actions of both Raynham Police officers and Raynham firefighters.”
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